Portrait of a Phantom

The story of one man’s efforts to authenticate a photograph of the influential King of the Delta Blues amid pushback from others.

After Zeke Schein purchased the lost photograph of Robert Johnson online, he knew he held something important in his hands. But would anyone else see what he saw? One of only three or four known photos of the legendary blues guitarist, the photograph was certainly an exceptional artifact of music history. Despite official recognition of its authenticity by the estate of Robert Johnson, music historians have continued to dispute the photograph’s legitimacy.

The story of Johnson’s lost photograph is also the story of Schein’s crusade to prove he’s holding a bona fide piece of music history. Much like a modern-day Don Quixote in a felt fedora, Schein is on a mission to convince others to see the truth as only he can.

“When you love the music and the person behind the music, you want to know more about him. That’s what this book is all about.”—from the foreword by Dion DiMucci, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and author of Dion: The Wanderer Talks Truth

“Magic and mystery meld with humility and history. Portrait of a Phantom is a tale told by a true acolyte and seeker of the source of the blues.”—Patti Smith, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and author of the National Book Award–winner Just Kids

“A fascinating trip into the world of blues history . . . The details and anecdotes herein give a great perspective to “the Phantom.””—John Hammond, blues singer and musician